News
February 4, 2025

NY’s Largest Solar Farm Advances with $950M

Caroline Raffetto

New York is making a significant leap toward its renewable energy goals with the development of its largest solar farm to date. Greenbacker Renewable Energy has secured $950 million to build the 500-megawatt (MW) Cider project, a large-scale solar farm that will bolster the state’s clean energy infrastructure.

The Cider project was acquired from Hecate Energy, a leading renewable energy developer, and construction is already underway. The project broke ground in late 2024 and is expected to be fully operational by 2026.

New York's Biggest Solar Farm Gets $950 ...

On February 3, Hecate announced that the New York Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Transmission (ORES) had formally issued a siting permit and a notice to proceed with construction, paving the way for full-scale development.

“Greenbacker has called New York home for 14 years, and we’re proud to be both the owner of the largest solar energy project in the state’s history and a driving force in accelerating its ambitious clean energy goals,” said Charles Wheeler, CEO of Greenbacker.

How the Cider Solar Farm Will Impact New York’s Energy Grid

The Cider project will span 2,500 acres in Genesee County, located east of Buffalo. Once operational, it is projected to generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 120,000 New York households annually.

This project is part of a broader initiative to expand clean energy in the state. In December, the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) awarded contracts to 23 large-scale clean energy projects, including Cider. These projects are aligned with New York’s ambitious goal of sourcing 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Fund Largest Solar Project ...

State officials and renewable energy advocates view projects like Cider as critical steps toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels, creating jobs in the clean energy sector, and strengthening the resilience of New York’s energy grid.

New York’s Rising Solar Power Capacity

New York has steadily climbed the rankings in solar energy production. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the state currently ranks 8th in the nation for total solar capacity, with 6,493 megawatts installed—enough to power 1,127,865 homes.

With ongoing investment in large-scale solar farms like Cider, the state is expected to move up to 5th place within the next five years.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the Cider project represents a major win for New York’s clean energy transition, the broader industry faces challenges related to supply chain constraints, labor shortages, and federal policy shifts.

The cost of solar panels and other equipment has fluctuated due to global supply chain disruptions, but experts believe state and federal incentives, along with private investments, will help sustain the growth of the solar industry.

Moreover, as New York works toward achieving its 2030 clean energy targets, developers and policymakers are looking at ways to improve grid infrastructure and enhance battery storage capabilities to maximize the benefits of solar energy.

With projects like Cider, New York is making clear strides toward a more sustainable energy future, reinforcing its position as a leader in the U.S. renewable energy sector.

News
February 4, 2025

NY’s Largest Solar Farm Advances with $950M

Caroline Raffetto
Solar Project
New York

New York is making a significant leap toward its renewable energy goals with the development of its largest solar farm to date. Greenbacker Renewable Energy has secured $950 million to build the 500-megawatt (MW) Cider project, a large-scale solar farm that will bolster the state’s clean energy infrastructure.

The Cider project was acquired from Hecate Energy, a leading renewable energy developer, and construction is already underway. The project broke ground in late 2024 and is expected to be fully operational by 2026.

New York's Biggest Solar Farm Gets $950 ...

On February 3, Hecate announced that the New York Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Transmission (ORES) had formally issued a siting permit and a notice to proceed with construction, paving the way for full-scale development.

“Greenbacker has called New York home for 14 years, and we’re proud to be both the owner of the largest solar energy project in the state’s history and a driving force in accelerating its ambitious clean energy goals,” said Charles Wheeler, CEO of Greenbacker.

How the Cider Solar Farm Will Impact New York’s Energy Grid

The Cider project will span 2,500 acres in Genesee County, located east of Buffalo. Once operational, it is projected to generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 120,000 New York households annually.

This project is part of a broader initiative to expand clean energy in the state. In December, the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) awarded contracts to 23 large-scale clean energy projects, including Cider. These projects are aligned with New York’s ambitious goal of sourcing 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Fund Largest Solar Project ...

State officials and renewable energy advocates view projects like Cider as critical steps toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels, creating jobs in the clean energy sector, and strengthening the resilience of New York’s energy grid.

New York’s Rising Solar Power Capacity

New York has steadily climbed the rankings in solar energy production. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the state currently ranks 8th in the nation for total solar capacity, with 6,493 megawatts installed—enough to power 1,127,865 homes.

With ongoing investment in large-scale solar farms like Cider, the state is expected to move up to 5th place within the next five years.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the Cider project represents a major win for New York’s clean energy transition, the broader industry faces challenges related to supply chain constraints, labor shortages, and federal policy shifts.

The cost of solar panels and other equipment has fluctuated due to global supply chain disruptions, but experts believe state and federal incentives, along with private investments, will help sustain the growth of the solar industry.

Moreover, as New York works toward achieving its 2030 clean energy targets, developers and policymakers are looking at ways to improve grid infrastructure and enhance battery storage capabilities to maximize the benefits of solar energy.

With projects like Cider, New York is making clear strides toward a more sustainable energy future, reinforcing its position as a leader in the U.S. renewable energy sector.